French leaders have condemned the destruction of a commemorative olive tree honoring Ilan Halimi, a Jewish man who was kidnapped, tortured, and killed in a notorious antisemitic attack in 2006. The tree, planted 14 years ago, was chopped down overnight, prompting strong reactions from French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister François Bayrou, who vowed that Halimi's memory would not be erased. The incident has reignited concerns about rising antisemitism in France, with recent attacks and hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals and institutions. International figures, including the United States ambassador to France, have praised the French government's condemnation, while some Israeli officials criticized Macron's policies, linking them to the broader climate of hostility. The felling of the memorial tree comes amid ongoing tensions and violence, underscoring the persistent challenges faced by the Jewish community in France.

Original article source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/assailants-chop-down-tree-honoring-jewish-man-tortured-killed-antisemitic-attack
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